Conveyer.



F. BILLINGS.

CONVEYER.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. I9, 1913.

7w 1 9 1 6 1 m J d 6 +0 H e t a P 3 SHEETS-SHEET l.

F. BILLINGS.

CONVEYER.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 19. 1912 3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

F. BILLINGS.

CONVEYERH APPLICATION FlLED-MAR.19, 191a.

Patented Jan. 16, 19171 3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

FRANK BILLINGS, 0F CLEVELAND, OHIO.

A converse.

nai'asao.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Jan. Mi, Twit.

Application filed March 19, 1913. Serial No. 755,274.

To all whom it may concern: 1

Be it known that I, FRANK BILLINes, a citizen of the United States, residing at Cleveland, in the county of Cuyahoga and State of Ohio, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Conveyers, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description.

This invention relates to conveyers or conveying apparatus adapted particularly for use in mines in association with a mining and loading machine, such for example as disclosed in my pending application for mining and loading apparatus, Serial No. 538,408, filed Jan. 10th, 1910.

The main objects of the present invention are as follows: First,to provide an efficient, strong and durable conveyer which may be placed at the rear or discharge end of a mining or loading machine, so as to receive material therefrom, and which will convey the material rearwardly a suitable distance to enable the material to be loaded into cars in the most economical manner. Second,-to provide a conveyer which is supported at its forward end preferably by means of a track, and which extends rearwardly from the truck a sufiicient distance, and at a suitable height above the mine track to enable a number of empty cars to be simultaneously run underneath the rearwardly projecting part, so that the cars can be loaded very rapidly and handled in a very economical manner, and specifically, in orderthat after a car under the discharge end of this conveyer is loaded, it may be taken away and the empty car, in advance of the one just loaded, can be moved rearwardly to the discharge end of the conveyer, and so on, until the entire series of cars previously underneath the conveyer are loaded. Third,to provide a conveyer which has the characteristics above stated, as to length and manner of being supported, and which can be conveyed without difiiculty about the curves of the mine tracks.

The above objects are accomplished in an efiective manner by the present embodiment of my invention, wherein the conveyer comprises a collapsible or telescopic frame which is supported at its forward end as a cantaliver beam by means of a truck, the whole, when extended and in use, being quite rigid and self sustaining.

In the drawings illustrating the above re ferred to embodiment of my invention, Fig

merely that the machine or scrapingmember which is adapted to the material from the latter ure 1 is a side elevation of connected to the 1 rear end of a mining and loading machine,

here shown conventionally; Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the conveyer embodying my invention, the belt being removed, parts being broken away, and the whole being shown on an enlarged scale with respect to the scale of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a side View of the frame and belt of the conveyer with the conveyer collapsed or the difierent sections of the conveyer frame telescoped together; Fig. 4 is a side elevation of the rear portion of the conveyer extended, parts being broken away for the sake of illustrating details of construction; Fig. 5 is a central sectional view of the forward end of the conveyer; Fig. 6 is a transverse vertical sectional view subtantially along the line 6'6 of Fig. 1. looking forwardly; Fig. 7 is a transverse vertical sectional view substantially along the irregular line T7 of Fig. 3, looking forwardly; and Fig. 8 is a tional view of a portion of theconveyer at the forward end thereof, this section being taken substantially along the line 8-8 of Fig. 1.

As before stated, the conveyer is preferably employed in connection with a m ning and loading machine. This machine, apart of which is shown at 10. in conventional manner, forms no part of the present invention and it is believed to be sufficient to state includes a digging move material rearwardly to a conveyer, shown in outline at 10, which moves the material upwardly and rearwardlyfrom the forward end of the machine. The conveyer forming the subject matter of the present invention is with respect to the conveyer of the mlning and loading machine 10, an auxiliary conveyer, and is arranged with its forward end below the discharge end of the 3'.

so as to receive and to convey conveyer of the machine 10,

the same rearwardly.

The conveyer of the supported wholly at its present invention is forward end upon a truck 11 adapted to run upon the tracks of the mine. This truck, it will be observed. is connected to the rear end of the frame of the mining and loading machine 10 which thus serves to counterbalance the auxiliary conveyer. Swiveled to the truck: by means of a king boit 12, is a turn tabie R, which is ,section A.

supported from the truck by suitable rollers, including rear rollers 14:, and a forward roller 15 which engages the flanges of a suitable arc-shaped trackway ported at the forward end of this turn table in suitable bearings 17, is a shaft 18 provided with a drum or pulley 19 which drives.

the endless belt 20 of the conveyer. This shaft is driven by an engine or motor 20 which is supported on the turn table 13, and is suitably geared to the shaft. The shaft 18 also constitutes a pivotal bearing member for the forward end of the conveyer frame, as will be hereinafter described. At the rear end of the turn table and a short distance to the rear of the front pivotal support of the conveyer frame is a vertically adjustable support 21 for the conveyer, in the nature of a fulcrum. This includes a hand wheel and a suitable threaded shaft, by means of which the rear end of the conveyer can be raised or lowered, with respect to the trackway, the forward end of the conveyer thence turning slightly about the axis of the front driving shaft 18.

By reference particularly to Fig. 1, it will be seen that the conveyer frame is supported from its front end in a manner just described, so as to constitute in effect a cantaliver beam, which extends rearwardly in asubstantially horizontal direction, and is unsupported, except at the front end as described. This frame or cantaliver beam is collapsible, and preferably is'composed of a number of telescoping sections, in this case three in number, designated A, B and C, When the frame is extended, as shown in Fig. 1, it has sufficient-length and the portion at the rear of the front truck 11 is supported a sufficient distance above the track to enable a number of mine cars 22 to be run underneath the conveyer. As shown in Fig. 1, three cars are wholly beneath the conveyer, and a fourth is below the discharge end of the conveyer or the rearmost It will be understood that in the use of this apparatus, the rearmost of the group of empty cars will be loaded, and thence the loaded car will be taken away and the group yet unloaded will be moved forwardly until the next adjacent car, or the one next to the car just loaded, is in position to be loaded. Thence the remaining cars will be successively loaded, after which another group of empty cars will be run under the conveyer and loaded in the manner stated. In this manner, the cars can be loaded with a minimum loss of time in moving backwardly and forwardly the cars from and to the conveyer.

' Considering now the details of construction of the conveyer, and especially of the frame, it will be seen that the rearmost section A, (see particularly Fig. 7) is provided with a frame comprising two substantially or guide 16. Sup-' horizontal ll-beams 23, flanking the belt and as close to the edges thereof as is practicable, and a plate 2a which joins the two beams, and is located between the upper and lower parts or sections of the belt, so as to form a shield for the lower forwardly traveling part of the belt. 0n the upper flange of each beam is an angle 25, with its upstanding leg in the center plane of the I-beam, the other leg extending outwardly therefrom, and forming with the adjacent parts of the apparatus, a runway for a chain 26, whose function will be explained later.

At the forward end of each l-beam 23, a portion of the beam flange not occupied by the previously mentioned angle 25 is bent downward to form an inclined plane, the function of which will) be presently explained. This section A has a plurality of sets of rollers 28, each set including a central horizontal roller and side inclined rollers which are arranged to turn on fixed axes and support the upper part or rearwardly traveling part of the conveyer belt 20. At the rear end of the section A is a roller or drum 29 about which the belt 20 runs or travels.

The middle section B of the frame coinprises a pair of girders 30, which are located with respect to the belt, as are the I-beams 23 of the rearward section, but which are spaced a sufiicient distance apart to enable the passage of the I l-beams 23 of the rear section between them. These girders which are in the form of channels extend slightly below the bottom plane of the I-beams 23, and the lower flanges are joined by a thin plate 31 arranged in a plane below the plate 24c, and overlapping the same. These two plates, together with the corresponding plate of the forward section C constitute a shield for the lower part of the belt, and prevent material dropping from the upper part of the belt down on to the lower part.

On the inner side of each girder 30, near 'its rear end, are two rollers 32 arranged a short distance apart, and mounted for free rotation about the axis of supporting pins or studs. These rollers are of the proper size, and are properly located to fit into the space between the outwardly extending flanges of the I-beams of the rearward section A of the frame, so that the I-beams are supported by these rollers clearance, however, to permit the ll-beams to move freely backward and forward over the rollers.

At the rear ends of the two girders 30 are a pair of chain sheaves 33, which are adapted to be engaged by the chains 26 previously referred to, and in a manner to be described, and below the rear end of the frame of the middle section B is a belt supporting roller 34, which supports the lower part of the belt.

with suflicient flit . naiaeaa The upper part of the belt is supported The section on this section of the frame by means of of rollers t? a two sets of rollers 35 and 3.6, (see Fig. 2.) The and 36 of the middle section front or forward set of rollers are supto support the u ported in fixed relationship with respect to forward set 47 a the girders or frame of this section, but rear set 48, are like the 'set the rear set are supported in a vertically section, swinging frame or bail 37, which is pivotally 4:9, pivo supported at its rear end upon the top rear portio flanges of the two side girders, so that the said f said bail or frame and the rollers supported be swung upwardl by it mayswing upwardly when engaged by I forward end of the the downwardly inclined or tapered forward when the entir ends of the T-beams 23 of the rear section A At the lower r so that said T-beams or the frame of the C is a roller rearmost section may be moved forwardly part of the belt. under said ro'llers,'while the frame is being It will be obser collapsed.

To the back of each channel 30 are secured described.

ers or of the frame of the forward section C dllllllQ.

provided near th 52, which are mount two angles 39 and 40, which are secured to innersides of the gi the channels so that the space between their by the outstanding outstanding legs is less than the depth of the angles 39, secured to channel. The outstanding flange of the girders of the midd upper pair of angles of the two girders conwill be seen also that stitute a track or guideway for rollers to be ,provided at'its lower hereinafter described, and the outstanding Iverse shaft 53, legs of the lower angles are drilled at reguable bearings, lar intervals substantially throughout the sides or faces length of the angles, for a purpose to be sprockets 54l or which The frame of the forward section G of standi the conveyer consists of two built-up girdcured to the outer si ers 42, joined by a plate 43 which is not ,the middle section C. seen in Fig. 7, but is shown in Figs. 2 and f. outwardly beyond one This plate is below the plane of the plate 31, outwardly extending and overlaps the same, as before stated, so with a ratchet Wheel as to form with the plates of the middle to be engaged by a and rear section, a continuous telescopic Fig. 2), and at its e shield for the lower part'of the belt, as beshaft 53 .is provided fore described. The rear part of the gird- 57, (see Figs. 2 and 7).

The pawl and rat is substantially horizontal, as shown in Fig. normally prevent l the horizontal portion extending to a frame sections, knuckle near the forward end of the section, the belt, but when it is and thence the frame inclines downwardly the frame, to the forward end of the conveyer. The will be thr forward ends of the frame terminate in ratchet. trunnions which engage in the manner pretating th viously referred to,-with the drive shaft 18. frame section C. This shaft The knuckle or bend is just above the ad-. by a sprocket justable vertical support 21, which as before the sprocket 5 stated, is at the rear end of the turn table 13. a sprocket 59 Secured to the rear end of .the frame of 18. This spr section C are a pair of chain anchors and on the shaft, but ca take-ups 45, to which the forward ends of I when desired, the chains 26, previously referred to, are clutch 60. connected. These chains extend rearwardly The rotation of from these chain anchors and take-ups, and toothed wheels 54 0 pass about the sheaves 33, at the rear end of to be moved outw section B, and thence extend forwardly to forward section C fixed points 4L6, on the frame of the rear ment of the teeth section A; These chains, it may be here in the 0 stated, are employed in telescoping or col= ried by lapsing the frame, and also in extending the The end section wardly by reason 0 or to extend the sam own out of engageme The frame can be exte e shaft 53 at the rear ocket wheel 59 penings pr 0 of the frame has two sets nd a8, similar to the sets 35 B, and adapted pper part of the belt. The position, but the 36 of the middle carried by a pivoted frame or bail y secured at its rear ends to the n of the frame section C, so that rame and rollers carried thereby, ma

chet, above referred to, any backslipping of the quent loosening of to collapse e, the pawl nt with the nded by roend of the can be rotated chain 58, which extends about 7 on said shaft 53, and about at one end of the driving shaft is normally loose n be clutched thereto friction the shaft 53 and of the ause the middle section B, ardly with respect to the by reason of the engageof the toothed wheels 5-1 ovided in the angles cars of said middle section.

is likewise moved outf the fact that the sec- I? y when engaged by the middle frame section B, e frame is being collapsed. ear end of the frame section ch supports the lower See particularly Fig. 4. Ved. that the girders 42 are rear ends with rollers ed or supported on the rders, and are engaged flanges of the upper the outer sides of the le frame section. the frame section C is rear end with a trans rotatably supported in suitand provided near the inner of the two girders 42 with toothed wheels, having teeth ge in the openings in the outlower angles 40, sede of the girders 30 of This shaft 53 extends side of the frame, the part being provided 55, which is adapted pivotal pawl 56 (see xtreme outer end, the procket wheel lift) tions A and B are connected in a manner previously described, by means of the chains 26. lhis same mechanism could be used for collapsing the frame, providing the power plant which drives the belt comprises a reversing motor. I prefer, however, to use a non-reversing motor.

To collapse the frame, the pawl will, as before, be out of engagement with the ratchet, and the outermost section A and middle section B can be pulled inwardly, by a suitable rope 61, extending about a capstan head 62, on the opposite end of the driving shaft 18 from that provided with the sprocket 59, and about a sheave 63, at the rear end of the rearmost section A.

When the frame is being extended, the sprockets 5e on the shaft 53, move the middle section outwardly and the chains 26 cause the outermost section to be moved outwardly at twice the rate of speed of the middle section. When the frame is being collapsed, by pulling inward the section A, the same chains 26 cause the middle section to be moved inwardly, at one half the rate of speed. that the outermost section is moved.

Then the frame is being collapsed, the pivotally mounted sets of rollers 36 and 48 are swung upwardly, out of the path of movement of the oncoming ends of the outer section A. and the middle section respectively. When the conveyer frame is collapsed, the belt is not rem ved therefrom, but the outermost portion of the belt may be folded or swung over the top of the conveyer frame, in the manner shown in Fig. 3

The conveyer is provided at its forward end with a hopper having open bottom, a closed lower end, and inclined sides which extend along the forward. inclined. part of the frame, and preferably a short distance along the horizontal part, as shown. When the conveyer is in operative position at the rear of the mining and loading machine 10, material will be discharged from the rear end of the conveyer machine l0 intothe hopper and will thence be picked up by the belt 20, and conveyed rearwardly to the discharge end of ti auxiliary conveyor, where the material Will be discharged into cars, as previously described.

Having thus described my what ll claim is:

1. ln a conveying a *atus, a truck, a turn table swiveled to said truck, conveyer supported by said turn table, C conveyer comprising a frame pivotally connected at its forward end to the turn table, said frame inclining upwardly from the pi oted end and thence extending substantially hori zontally, the horizontally extending part being composed of plnra lty of telescopic secinvention,

tions, and means for maintaining the free end of the conveyor at a desired elevation, comprising an adjustable fulcrum between the forward portion of the conveyer and said turn table.

2. A conveyer comprising a conveyor frame, and an endless belt carried thereby, the frame being composed of a plurality of telescopic sections, rollers carried by said sections for supporting the belt, the said rollers of one section being mounted for movement vertically so as to be movable out of the path of movement of the next adjacent section when the frame is being collapsed. Q

8. Conveying apparatus comprising a collapsible frame including a pair of telescopic sections, a belt supported thereby, the two sections having rollers which support the belt, a support for a roller of one section, said support being movably connected to the said section so that the roller carried by the support may move out of the path of movement of the other section when the frame is collapsed.

4:. A conveying apparatus comprising a collapsible frame, a belt carried thereby, said frame comprising a plurality of telescopic sections having belt supporting rollers, movable frames carrying part of said rollers and connected to the sections of the conveyer frame whereby the rollers may be elevated when the conveyor frame is being collapsed.

5. conveying apparatus comprising a collapsible frame, and a belt carried there-- by, said frame comprising a pair of telescopic sections, one ion having a roller for supporting a part of the belt. a pivoted frame supporting the roller, said Jame havportion in the path of movement of the other section so that the said oller will elevated when the frame is collapsed.

" a conveyor, a collapsible. conveyor composed of a plurality o telescopic sections including a. pair of movable sections and a. relatively fined tion,means carried by the relatively 'on and operatively connected to the adjacent movable section f r shifting e section, and me conncct' j said movable section with another movable so "on for causing said sec' nd movable sect on moved ltaneously with "st c secat diiferent sp 'eunto ailir; my 

